Mon. Aug 18th, 2025

Passengers on a Southwest Airlines flight from Savannah to Chicago were stunned when their pilot was suddenly removed from the cockpit just before takeoff.

Bodycam footage released Thursday shows police officers confronting 52-year-old Captain David Allsop in January after TSA staff raised concerns that he might be intoxicated. Officers boarded the plane and escorted the pilot off, arresting him on suspicion of DUI.

According to officials, Allsop was taken into custody at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, preventing what could have been a major disaster. The flight was delayed while a replacement pilot was brought in.

Social media exploded once the footage surfaced:

  • “Imagine finding out your pilot was about to fly drunk?!”
  • “Thank God TSA and police stepped in.”

Investigators have not revealed what tipped off TSA officers, but Allsop is now facing serious charges. The incident has reignited debate about alcohol testing and airline safety protocols.

@dailymail

Shocking new bodycam video shows a Southwest pilot being pulled off a flight by police moments before it was due to take off over fears he was blind drunk. David Allsop, 52, was arrested for a DUI in January at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in Georgia, with footage of the incident emerging Thursday. Allsop was due to fly to Chicago, but was apprehended in his cockpit after TSA officers notified police that they suspected he was drunk. It is unclear what raised their suspicions. 🎥 Bodycam news plane airport pilot southwest

♬ original sound – Daily Mail – Daily Mail

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